Is this a case of sour grapes? One might ask. South Africa’s current political situation is unprecedented, with the landscape experiencing a level of coalition politics never seen before. Different political parties have had to come together to lead the country, creating a unique and challenging dynamic.
The tensions between the African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA) are particularly concerning. This week, the news was filled with reports of heated exchanges between these coalition partners, who are already clashing just weeks after agreeing to govern together. President Cyril Ramaphosa has accused DA leader John Steenhuisen of attempting to establish a “parallel government,” which he claims is a violation of the constitution.
This situation highlights the complexities and difficulties of coalition governance in South Africa, as the leading parties struggle to find common ground and work together effectively.
Local media reported that President Ramaphosa made this serious accusation in a letter to Mr. Steenhuisen on June 25. The ongoing conflict has unsettled markets at a time when Ramaphosa’s African National Congress (ANC) and the DA are supposed to be distributing cabinet positions and settling into their roles.
Following the ANC’s failure to secure a majority in last month’s election, the DA agreed to form a unity government, keeping President Ramaphosa in office in exchange for cabinet posts for DA members. The ANC also made a coalition deal with eight smaller parties, with Ramaphosa under pressure to include some of their members in the cabinet as well.
According to local reports, Ramaphosa sent his angry letter after offering the DA six cabinet posts. The DA then demanded two additional positions, which frustrated ANC leaders. In his letter, Ramaphosa accused the DA of changing their demands during negotiations and criticised DA’s federal chairperson, Helen Zille, for making “offensive and condescending” demands that he claimed were unconstitutional.
Local media also reported that Ramaphosa went back on his promise to give the DA the Trade and Industry Ministry, an important role for boosting South Africa’s economy. In reaction, DA leaders reportedly told Ramaphosa the “deal is off” unless he honoured their original agreement.
This dispute has caused significant concern as South Africa navigates a new political landscape. The ANC lost its parliamentary majority for the first time since the end of apartheid in 1994, receiving 40% of the vote compared to the DA’s 22%.
Initially, analysts suggested that both parties might be posturing for better negotiation outcomes. However, recent leaked communications indicate more serious divisions that could jeopardize the coalition agreement signed on June 14. News of the potential breakdown of this agreement caused the South African rand to drop against the dollar.
The business community has strongly supported an agreement between the two parties, believing it is essential for economic stability.